Lee Jun-seok: "Martial Law and Western District Court Riots Are Products of Political Extremism... Seeking a Path Beyond Left and Right"

"It is true that the Yoon administration has achieved certain results"
"Innovation always comes with fear"
"I will create a new and dynamic political structure"

Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, criticized the violent incident that occurred at the Seoul Western District Court and expressed his intention to step forward for new politics.

On the 20th, Lee posted on his social media account, "As a member of the special delegation dispatched by Speaker Woo Won-sik, I came to Tokyo accompanied by Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young. The mission of the delegation is to meet with political and business figures in Japan, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, to explain the political situation in Korea and alleviate concerns."

Lee Jun-seok, Member of the Reform New Party. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

He continued, "Over the past week, around the time of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrest and detention, I received interview requests from several foreign media outlets such as BBC and CNBC. I appeared on broadcasts to express faith in Korea’s political resilience and urged investment, as well as requested visits based on trust in public safety. If I can persuade even one person and maintain even a single job, I will not hesitate to play any small role I can internationally," he said.

He added, "When President Kim Dae-jung made the decision to open up Japanese popular culture 28 years ago, there was confidence to design the future beyond exhausting political logic. At the time, some expressed concerns that 'we might be absorbed into Japanese culture,' but as Korea’s cultural capabilities grew richer, it led to the achievement of establishing a unique domain comparable to Japan’s." He explained, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration also made its own efforts to improve relations with Japan within the framework of the Korea-US-Japan trilateral cooperation, and it is true that certain results were achieved. However, there are also criticisms that during the process, the government should have better persuaded the public and more strongly asserted our rights and interests."

Lee also stated, "Anything involving disruption and innovation inevitably comes with fear. But fundamental change can only be achieved by breaking away from the existing order and pioneering a new path. Our politics now also need such courage for challenge. The recent martial law incident and the riot at the Western District Court clearly show the consequences of political extremism that forces only one side, left or right, to the brink."

Furthermore, he said, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. In Korea-Japan relations, we must not miss the opportunity to take a step forward by breaking free from the obsession with the stereotype that 'if you are right-wing, you must be pro-Japan, and if you are left-wing, you must be anti-Japan.' I promise to seek a path forward that is neither left nor right and to create a new and dynamic political structure that transcends extremes and dichotomies." Finally, he added, "It is time for young and capable political leaders who the international community can trust and the people need not worry about. I will faithfully carry out this visit to Japan and do my best for the interests and future of the Republic of Korea."